Internship M/F: Analysis and Implementation of Post-Quantum Signature Schemes Based on MPC-in-the-Head Principles

Job Description:

OUR STORY

At STMicroelectronics, we believe in the power of technology to drive innovation and make a positive impact on people, businesses, and society. As a global semiconductor company, our advanced technologies and chips form the hidden foundation of the world we live in today.

When you join ST, you will be part of a global business with more than 115 nationalities, present in 40 countries, and comprising over 50,000 diverse and dedicated creators and makers of technology around the world.

Developing technologies takes more than talent: it takes amazing people who understand collaboration and respect. People with passion and the desire to disrupt the status quo, drive innovation, and unlock their own potential.
Embark on a journey with us, where you can innovate for a future that we want to make smarter and greener, in a responsible and sustainable way. Our technology starts with you.
YOUR ROLE
In post-quantum cryptography, a significant class of signature schemes is based on the principles of multi-party computations (MPC) "in the head". This is the case of several schemes proposed for standardization in the post-quantum cryptography competition organized by NIST, for instance, Mirath, MQOM, PERK, RYDE and SDitH.
The purpose of this internship is to analyze the theoretical as well as practical security of such schemes and to implement them on embedded systems.

The key objectives of thte internship include:
* Understanding the theoretical foundations. Analyze the proposed schemes in terms of their frameworks (e.g., TCitH, VOLEitH) and their underlying hard problems.
* Comparing the implementation properties. Investigate how different schemes can be implemented and possibly propose optimizations in execution time and memory footprint.
* Propose implementation countermeasures. Develop and analyze countermeasures against side-channel and fault attacks.
Depending on the advancements, the internship may extend to neighboring topics.
YOUR SKILLS & EXPERIENCES
* Master's student in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or similar in a Belgian university
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
* Experience in cryptography
* Knowledge of the C programming language
* Interest in embedded system programming
Please note: This is an unpaid internship.
ST is proud to be one of the 17 companies certified as a 2025 Global Top Employer and the first and only semiconductor company to achieve this distinction. ST was recognized in this ranking thanks to its continuous improvement approach and stands out particularly in the areas of ethics & integrity, purpose & values, organization & change, business strategy, and performance.
At ST, we endeavor to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we do not tolerate discrimination. We aim to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the societies around us. We strive for equity in career development, career opportunities, and equal remuneration. We encourage candidates who may not meet every single requirement to apply, as we appreciate diverse perspectives and provide opportunities for growth and learning. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is woven into our company culture.

To discover more, visit st.com/careers